Q: Hey Tony, assuming the Yankees somehow don’t acquire Johan Santana from Minnesota, do you think the Blue Jays can leap-frog them into second place? I’ve already conceded the division to the Red Sox. — Robert, Toronto

A: My first thought would be no, but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility, Robert. I like the Jays’ roster, and feel they could have won around 90 games last season if not for the so many key injuries. B.J. Ryan, Lyle Overbay and Reed Johnson missed significant time, and Vernon Wells played despite a shoulder that required off-season surgery. So the thing I will be looking at this spring is health, and the early prognoses are promising for Ryan and Wells.

If both rebound to their usual form, and if Scott Rolen is healthy, happy and productive — as opposed to last season in St. Louis — the Jays have the kind of talent that could win 90 games and give the Yankees a run for their money if things don’t go well in the Bronx. The Jays return their top five starting pitchers, their bullpen is underrated and could be very strong with Ryan at the back end, and the lineup that includes David Eckstein, Alex Rios, Wells, Frank Thomas, Overbay, Rolen, Aaron Hill, Johnson and Gregg Zaun should be potent.

And by the way, I will be picking the Red Sox to win the AL East, too.

Q: Do you think Adam Miller is going to make the big club this year, and if so, in what role? — J. Binkley, McKinney, Texas

A: The Indians will weigh a couple of factors here, J. They already have one of the best rotations in the league in C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, Jake Westbrook, Paul Byrd and most likely, Cliff Lee. They also have Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey, which sets up the possibility of Lee being dealt. So for Miller to make the rotation out of spring training, he would have to have a huge camp.

Assuming the Tribe wants Miller to remain as a starter and build up innings and gain experience in that role, you figure he will start the season in the minors. That sets up an in-season promotion either due to an injury at the big-league level, or because of Miller’s dominance at the Triple-A level.

However, some organizations choose to slowly break in their top starting pitching prospects by giving them exposure in the bullpen as middle relievers. The Indians could choose to go that route, as the Tigers did with left-hander Andrew Miller, who made eight relief appearances late in the 2006 season. That decision will depend in part on the rest of the Indians’ bullpen, and whether Eric Wedge and club officials feel Miller can help the club in a bullpen role in 2008.

In many cases, spring training merely is a time for players to get ready for the season. But for Miller, the six-week camp will be a critical one in his development, and the answer to your question really won’t be known until then.

Q: The Brewers are so loaded with young players that they have no place to play Tony Gwynn Jr. Why not trade him to the Padres, Phillies or Marlins, so he can start and the Brewers can pick up a starter or a few relievers? — Mark P., San Diego

A: The Brewers’ signing of Mike Cameron does leave Gwynn Jr. in a reserve role again — but not until after Cameron starts the season by serving a 25-game suspension for violation of the drug policy. Until that point, it appears as if Gwynn will get most of the playing time in center field, with Gabe Gross and possibly comeback candidate Gabe Kapler also playing some.

Gwynn also could end up getting some playing time in left field, where Ryan Braun will be making the transition from third base, and very well could struggle defensively. Gwynn also is the fastest player on the Brewers’ roster, and that element will be used by manager Ned Yost. So I could see Gwynn getting 200-plus at-bats in a part-time role if he spend the season in Milwaukee.

But if a need arises elsewhere on the Brewers’ roster — and you’re right, the bullpen could be a possibility — Gwynn could be a nice bargaining chip for a deal.

Q: Will Sammy Sosa play for the Rangers this season? — Wayo Cavazos, Laredo, Texas

A: It’s not looking good as of now, Wayo. Earlier this winter, Sammy said he wanted $7 million to play this season, and considering he made about one-tenth of that last season, when he lost playing time as the year progressed, that wasn’t going to happen at that price.

The Rangers since have gone in another direction by signing Milton Bradley and trading for Josh Hamilton. That has set up a projected outfield of Marlon Byrd in left, Hamilton in center and Bradley in right, with David Murphy in reserve and Frank Catalanotto as the DH against right-handed pitching and occasional left fielder.

Jason Botts and Nelson Cruz will duel for a spot as a right-handed DH/bat off the bench, and as of now, there appears to be no fit for Sammy. But there always could be a last-minute change of heart, as Sammy and several other free agents still are unsigned despite camp openings being only four weeks away.

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